Tune up!!

mastershake · 02-24-2011, 12:43 AM

my alero has about 203k miles on it now and i never received any service records from the previous owner sooooo i think i should just do a complete overhaul tune up.. does this list sound about right?:

new plugs/wires
fuel filter
brake fluid change
tranny fluid change (not a flush, the previous owners lived on a dirt road so i can only imagine the torture the fluid is going through)
radiator flush (is flushing safe at this mileage?)
new tires

also, can anyone recommend the best oil to use? Ive been looking into using valvoline's high mileage full synthetic. anyone have good results with that?

Lucalare · 02-24-2011, 01:00 AM

Mobil or Royal Purple oil FTW.

AleroB888 · 02-24-2011, 01:38 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mistershakez

my alero has about 203k miles on it now and i never received any service records from the previous owner sooooo i think i should just do a complete overhaul tune up.. does this list sound about right?:

new plugs/wires
fuel filter
brake fluid change
tranny fluid change (not a flush, the previous owners lived on a dirt road so i can only imagine the torture the fluid is going through)
radiator flush (is flushing safe at this mileage?)
new tires

also, can anyone recommend the best oil to use? Ive been looking into using valvoline's high mileage full synthetic. anyone have good results with that?

Synthetic oil could be detrimental at this late stage, unless you've been running it for a long time already. Radiator flush should be ok, fuel filter. Dunno about the rest, couldn't hurt.

TheEdgeofSanity · 02-24-2011, 01:46 AM

don't forget an air filter! and maybe some fuel injector cleaner couldn't hurt. I would suggest Chevron Techron Fuel System Cleaner - helped my sticking fuel gauge and car ran alot better

jhubbz · 02-24-2011, 03:40 PM

if you run mobil 1 with lucas stop leak, you should be ok

MP99Alero · 02-24-2011, 05:46 PM

I use royal purple on the ho, even though she only has 87k miles. I just did plugs/wires, fuel filter, oil filter, tranny flush, new brakes, and radiator and she is running great, but still have no tail lights.

mastershake · 02-24-2011, 07:52 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by AleroB888

Synthetic oil could be detrimental at this late stage, unless you've been running it for a long time already. Radiator flush should be ok, fuel filter. Dunno about the rest, couldn't hurt.

how could it be detrimental? the 203k miles are all highway miles besides 18k miles BTW

also, i just changed air filter, and im planning on running some chevron techron through it when i get the oil changed

also also, could anyone estimate how much this could all cost me? im going to have it done at a local shop that is recommended so i know it wont be the dealer price. am i looking at over a $1000?

AleroB888 · 02-24-2011, 08:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mistershakez

how could it be detrimental? the 203k miles are all highway miles besides 18k miles BTW

The oil manufacturers will likely tell you it's not detrimental, but many mechanics and car owners claim to have had bad experiences, with baked on deposits becoming dislodged and circulating around. Same concern as with flushing a high-mileage tranny. It would be difficult to justify the extra expense, in any case.

XanderWiFi · 02-24-2011, 09:01 PM

Someone mentioned it but definitely don't forget an oil change in there too. Seafoam as well in all systems if that is something that you dig.

Redog · 02-24-2011, 09:08 PM

Syn oil find those fine cracks in the gaskets that the conventional oil has plugged up with say "crap" as mentioned above. The syn oil will clean out that "crap" and find it's way out of the engine.

Tranny fluid, IDK if it's a good idea to touch it. Check it, and if it's not burnt smelling, leave it alone. If it needs any, top it off.

Plugs, wires, fuel filter, air filter are all good ideas